ChatGPT Now Auto-Detects Under-18 Users with a New Teen Mode

OpenAI has updated its support docs, announcing that ChatGPT will automatically detect users under 18 and turn on a teen experience mode for them.

The teen mode comes with extra safety measures that limit some sensitive content and certain types of interactions. It will handle some topics carefully, showing less roleplay about violence, gore, sex, and romance, as well as content promoting extreme beauty standards, unhealthy eating, or body shaming.

OpenAI uses an age prediction system to guess a user's age group. It looks at signals tied to the account, like topics often discussed, usage times, how the account is used, and how long it has existed. Even if a user gives their birth date, the account may still be flagged as teen.

Users flagged by mistake can apply for age verification. OpenAI will use the system of a third-party company called Persona, asking for a live selfie or an ID. Once confirmed as 18 or older, ChatGPT will remove the teen protections.